Yacht Charter and Sailing Holiday Costs

Sailing is the ultimate holiday experience. However, it can also be quite expensive if you have not planned your sailing costs in detail. Read on to find out about the expected costs when chartering a yacht and prepare your budget for a perfect sailing holiday.  

The price of a charter yacht is just a small fraction of the overall cost of your sailing holiday, and the cheaper the yacht often means the bigger the problems. You should, by all means, choose a charter yacht according to your budget. However, keep in mind that, most times, quality comes at a price.  

The price of the vessel rent refers to the weekly rent based on a Saturday-to-Saturday charter. The cost of the vessel rent depends on the vessel type; the year built, as well as the period of sailing (the same vessel has different prices in different periods).

During the high season (from May until September), we stick to our weekly charter system (Saturday to Saturday charter). Since these are the busiest months for charter companies, most weeks sell out well in advance (the price is unlikely to be flexible, and you will usually be charged for a full week). However, besides the standard Saturday-to-Saturday arrangements, in some cases special arrangements can be made to respond to our clients’ needs. Sailing trips lasting less than a week are generally arranged in the off-season (October - April/May). 

To prepare an offer for you, we would appreciate it if you could state in your request the desired sailing period (the exact dates when you would like to sail), as well as the size of the vessel or number of people in your crew. Since every boat is registered up to a certain number of people and the law does not allow this number to exceed, you should also state whether you have a skipper in your crew or need one (in which case we can provide one for you).
If you already know your preferred departure point (e.g., Split, Dubrovnik, Cyclades Region, Lefkas, Ibiza, Sardinia Region, etc.), please be sure to mention it in your request.  

Each charter has its discounts, and here are the most common amounts and time frames:  

• Two-week charter: usually -5% of boat price 
• Three or more weeks charter: generally, from -7,5% to -10% of the boat price 
• Early booking discount: generally, from -5% to -10%  

Early booking discount is possible for all the vessels if you book them by 31 December (for the following year). For most of the boats, an early booking discount is valid until 31 December. However, for some of them, this period prolongs until the end of January or even February.  

We kindly recommend booking a vessel in this period because the range of available boats is abundant, and it is most likely that you will find something that will suit your wishes, preferences and desired sailing cost the best.  

Last-minute discount: -5% to -20%  

A last-minute discount is possible if you book a vessel a week or two before the beginning of the sailing trip. You might get lucky and find a vessel you want, but we would suggest being flexible with your preferences.  

Final cleaning of the boat (paid in cash during the check-in procedure upon your arrival or payment on invoice - depending on the charter company). In rare cases, the final cleaning is already included in the vessel price. In most cases, it depends on the vessel size and the prices range from €100 to €200 per boat. In some cases, but rarely the amount for the final cleaning is determined according to the number of people on board - in such cases, the prices range from €10 to €15 per person  

Transit log / charter pack / comfort pack (paid in cash during the check-in procedure upon your arrival, or on invoice - depending on the charter company) usually includes final cleaning, Wi-Fi, bed linen, a basic package for toilets and kitchen, a gas bottle, etc. The price depends on the vessel size and ranges from €100 to €300.  

Marine fuel - depends on your motoring needs and weather, from 3 to 10 litters per hour (depending on the size of the boat). The vessel is handed over to you with a full tank and, therefore, must be returned with the full fuel tank as well. When taking over the vessel, we advise you to check where the nearest gas station is to fill the tank when returning to the base. Please note that there is a gas station within almost every marina.  

Refundable insurance deposit (paid either by cash or credit card) - the refundable insurance deposit, which you pay upon arrival, covers possible boat, equipment, and inventory damage. In case of boat damage or equipment loss, the amount for the damage caused is paid with the deposit money, whereas the insurance company covers higher amounts. If the boat is returned undamaged, the deposit will be returned to you. If hiring a skipper, they are responsible for all the damage caused while manoeuvring, mooring or anchoring the vessel. The amount of the refundable insurance deposit depends on the vessel type and size, and it ranges from €1500 to €5000.  

Mooring fees - when you opt for overnight stays in marinas. The price of the berth per day ranges from approx. €50 to €300, depending on the size of the vessel, sailing period, as well as a marina. These costs refer to all the marinas where you will be staying during your holiday, except the home/base marina where your boat is located (the first and the last night at the home/base marina is included in the sailing cost). 

Crew

Skipper - skipper costs amount to approx. €150 to €250 per day + food. Skipper's services are usually paid separately from vessel costs (in cash, upon your arrival at the base where your boat berths).  

Food and drinks are not included in this price, you must buy that on your own before boarding (you usually have a supermarket at your disposal near the marina) and some charter agencies offer the possibility of food delivery on board at an extra charge. 

Outboard engine - every vessel has a dinghy with paddles in its standard equipment. If you want to be faster in exploring the coastal area with a dinghy, you can rent an outboard engine. The prices range from €80 to €150 per week.  

Sails (spinnaker, gennaker, blister). These sails are not included in the standard equipment, but can be rented at an extra charge, and are usually rented by more experienced sailors. The prices range from €100 to €300 per week.  

Safety net - useful if you have children on board. For most vessels, there is a possibility of taking a safety net at additional cost (approx. €80 - depending on the size of the boat, as well as a charter agency). The net is then put along the sides of the boat.  

One way fee - some fleet operators offer a possibility of starting your sailing trip in one base and returning a boat to another. The prices range from €350 to €1000.  

Extra fee for pets - some fleet operators also offer this possibility for approx. €110 per week.  

Transfer - if arriving by plane, a transfer can be organized for your sailing group from the airport to the marina where your boat is berthed, and vice versa (taxi, 8-passenger van, minibus).  

Parking lot in a secured parking area within the marina (if arriving by car) - approx. €8 to €15 per day.  

Participation in regattas - usually an additional 20% on the boat price or security deposit.  

Entrance fees for national parks, should you decide to visit them.